FB Wealth

The West may be in the grip of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of 1929, but in the Middle East families are on something of a spending frenzy.

After the Abu Dhabi royal family became the latest high profile investor in English football with their purchase of Manchester City at the beginning of September, another unnamed family from the region has taken a major stake in a new private jet business.

From a hotel manager penning personal notes to clients to a cabaret performer spying for the British and diamond pebble massages, Claire Adler speaks to families who own some of the world's most sumptuous spas

When Andrea Scherz was five or six, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton were regular visitors to his parents' hotel, the Gstaad Palace in the heart of the Swiss Alps. "I didn't enjoy meeting Liz Taylor," remembers Scherz, 38, now the hotel and spa's owner and general manager.

Luxury goods group Richemont has acquired a controlling interest in watch company Manufacture Roger Dubuis in a private transaction with Carlos Dias, one of the founding shareholders.

The Swiss-based watchmaker will continue to manufacture and distribute watches under the "Roger Dubuis" name and will operate as an autonomous "Maison" within Richemont. It will benefit from the family-owned business's superior distribution channels.

Having luxury in every aspect of a holiday resort is always a necessity. Margie Goldsmith profiles three top spots for the ultimate getaway

When sophisticated travelers get away from their busy lives, they expect the best in a resort: spacious accommodation, creative dining experiences, and enough activities and services to keep even the most active and demanding guest occupied. Here are three family-run luxury resorts that offer outstanding exclusivity and tranquility – plus the added perk of inimitable personal style associated with the family name.